51.   Although there are no Premier League games because players are required for World Cup qualifying matches, there are six division one games as well as three on Friday.

52.   Albania faces Ireland, Russia, Switzerland and Georgia in qualifying matches for the next European Championship, which is scheduled to be played in Portugal.

53.   Already qualified for the quarterfinals, the team faces Slovakia in its last qualifying round match Tuesday.

54.   Also in Britain, Carlsberg, the beer brand, encouraged soccer lovers to send mobile messages to win a free pint during a World Cup qualifying match.

55.   And the squad could also be deprived of its four foreign internationals, three of whom would start otherwise, because of European Championships qualifying matches.

56.   An improving U.S. squad was joining a solid Mexican team in this smog-filled capital Friday to prepare for a World Cup qualifying match that promises sizzle.

57.   Argentine federation president Julio Grondona said the round-robin format for the qualifying matches will remain intact.

58.   Australia plays Uruguay on Sunday in the second game of a two-leg world cup qualifying match.

59.   At Zabrze, Poland, France played to a scoreless draw for the third time in three qualifying matches.

60.   Australia will field its strongest side available against Western Samoa in the rugby union World Cup qualifying match at Ballymore on Saturday night.